Google Maps Adds Transit Alerts For Broken Elevators, Accessibility Issues

A new alert can help people, including those who use wheelchairs, better plan their journeys.

A Google Maps update will now inform users of outages at public transit stations that could result in accessibility issues, like a malfunctioning elevator. That way, you can know ahead of time if you'll be able to fully utilize wheelchair-accessible routes -- or otherwise avoid lugging a bike or suitcase up the stairs, for instance.

The update is available on iOS, Android and desktop. It's initially rolling out in New York, Paris, Seattle, Boston, Budapest and Brisbane.

To access accessibility alerts, first ensure you've turned on the wheelchair accessible routes preference in Maps. You can do this by entering your desired location in Google Maps, then tapping the three dots in the upper right-hand corner, next to the starting location. Hit Options, then tap on Wheelchair accessible.

You can select a wheelchair accessible route in Google Maps. Google/Tharon Green/CNET

Now, you'll see an alert next to any route options that have an accessibility issue. Clicking on the alert will show more information. For instance, one for the New York subway informs commuters about an "Elevator outage" at the 42nd Street station.

Google Maps will now show an alert for any accessibility issues caused by outages.  Google/Tharon Green/CNET

Google has rolled out other accessibility updates to Maps in recent months, including making its TalkBack screen reader compatible with Lens, which uses AI and augmented reality to pinpoint restaurants, transit stations, ATMs and other places around you. TalkBack can say out loud a location's information, like business hours, ratings or directions, which can be helpful for people who are blind or low-vision. Detailed voice guidance can also let someone know if they're going the right direction or crossing a busy intersection.

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